Election boost: UK house prices have returned to growth for the first time in nearly a year
Britain’s housing market will be a key battleground in the General Election – as figures show house prices have returned to growth for the first time in nearly a year.
However, rents continue to rise sharply, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) said.
The Tories and Labour will be grilled on their plans to support home-owners and tenants ahead of the July 4 election.
UK house prices rose 1.8 per cent to an average £283,000 in the year to March, the first annual increase since June last year.
Average private rents soared 8.9 per cent in the 12 months to April, down from 9.2 per cent in the year to March.
Renters have been hit as landlords pass on higher costs. ONS chief economist Grant Fitzner said: ‘After two years of unprecedented and generally accelerating annual growth, private rental rises showed tentative signs of easing.’
Nathan Emerson, from industry group Propertymark, said: ‘Housing is the foundation to a strong economy and must be a key theme all political parties are placing front and centre of their campaigns.’
